Liberia’s Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Hon. Sekou Kromah, has highlighted major strides in the country’s digital transformation agenda, emphasizing efforts to bridge the digital divide and improve postal services. He spoke on Saturday at the Administrative Hall in Sanniquellie during the second edition of the “Kapa Kulono” Government Town Hall Initiative.
Addressing a cross-section of Nimba residents, Minister Kromah said the initiative, meaning “Come, Let’s Talk It” in Kpelle, demonstrates government’s commitment to inclusive dialogue and people-centered governance under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. The Minister stressed that his ministry is focusing on enhancing connectivity, improving service delivery, and ensuring that no community whether in Monrovia or the rural hills of Nimba is left behind in the digital era.
He disclosed that one of the ministry’s landmark achievements is the launch of Liberia’s first-ever Digital Village in partnership with Huawei. The project provides high-speed internet, e-services, and digital training centers to rural communities, enabling access to online education, telemedicine, and e-commerce. “As we roll out these initiatives, imagine young entrepreneurs in Nimba accessing global markets right from their doorsteps. This is the future we are building,” Minister Kromah told the gathering. Highlighting strides in education, he announced the inauguration of a state-of-the-art internet facility at Nimba University, part of a broader government plan to digitize all public and private universities nationwide.
In collaboration with providers like CSquared, KCOMM, and Telecel, the ministry is extending internet services to schools and universities, with particular emphasis on creating equal access for girls and women in line with the theme of this year’s World Telecommunication and Information Society Day“Gender Equality in Digital Transformation.” The Minister further revealed that community WiFi hotspots will soon be installed at key schools, health centers, and public spaces across Nimba and neighboring Bong Counties.
“These low-cost access points will empower communities to fully participate in the knowledge economy,” he said. On international partnerships, Kromah cited Liberia’s involvement in the Amilcar Cabral Submarine Cable Project with ECOWAS. Valued at $14.29 million for Liberia’s share, the project aims to strengthen internet capacity, provide redundancy, and position the country as a regional hub. He also disclosed ongoing discussions with the World Bank and Chinese partners to improve postal services and create youth empowerment programs through digital skills training.
The ministry’s reforms, he said, have already generated over US$100,000 in revenue for the 2024 national budget, surpassing projections and enabling renovations at its headquarters while ensuring transparency in procurement. Turning to postal services, Minister Kromah reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to its motto: “Rain or Shine, Mail Must Go!” He announced the modernization of delivery systems, rural outreach expansion, and the introduction of digital tracking to improve efficiency and accessibility.
“These achievements are not isolated triumphs but building blocks for a connected, prosperous Liberia,” he said, urging Nimbadians to share their views on challenges and ideas for digital innovation. The “Kapa Kulono” forum brought together government officials, local leaders, and citizens in a lively dialogue, with participants expressing appreciation for the government’s outreach efforts. Minister Kromah assured the audience that under President Boakai’s administration, the telecommunications sector will continue to serve as a catalyst for national unity and growth.
Author: Zac T. Sherman